Novato Dentist Talks About Things To Consider When Picking Dental Tools

Written by Dr. McConnell on Jan 2, 2024

If you are ready to improve your daily dental routine, it may be time to upgrade the tools and products you’re using the clean your smile. In today’s article our Novato dentists are going to be sharing tips and information about essential oral hygiene tools. Keep reading to learn more…

Commonly Used Tools

The primary tools for at-home oral hygiene are toothbrushes and floss. You will use your toothbrush to gently buff away plaque from your teeth and gums. Toothbrushes are especially good at cleaning flat surfaces. Additionally, you will use floss to clean those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth and along your gum line.

Size 

In order to effectively do their respective jobs, your toothbrush and your floss need to be appropriately sized for your smile. You want to make sure that the bristles of your toothbrush are small enough to reach your back molars, for example. Keep in mind that floss comes in a number of different widths; try to use a width that is thin enough to fit between all of your teeth in order to optimize plaque removal.

Abrasiveness

As you clean your smile you want to be mindful of minimizing potential dental damage and gum tissue recession. That is why many people choose to use soft-bristled toothbrushes—using bristles that are too firm can inadvertently result in enamel erosion and periodontal damage. If you are not sure what type of bristle is right for you, talk to your dental team for additional guidance!

Picking the right oral hygiene tools can make a big difference in how your smile looks and feels over time. Our Novato dentists are happy to provide you with any additional information or support that you may need to optimize your daily routine. Just give us a call to get started!